Naylor’s Clutch 7th-Inning Double Powers Diamondbacks to 6-4 Victory over Braves, Ending 4-Game Drought

Josh Naylor’s two-run double propelled the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 6-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves, effectively halting their four-game losing streak.

On Sunday, Naylor’s pivotal hit, coupled with a strong performance from Brandon Pfaadt, secured the much-needed win for Arizona. The Diamondbacks were trailing in the game until Naylor’s double in the seventh inning, which was aided by a communication error between Braves outfielders Alex Verdugo and Michael Harris II.

The Braves made a late push, with Marcell Ozuna’s RBI double narrowing the gap to 6-4 in the ninth. However, Diamondbacks closer Justin Martinez held his ground, retiring Ozzie Albies to seal the win.

Arizona started the game with a 4-1 lead. But the Braves responded in the seventh with consecutive RBI singles from Nick Allen and Verdugo, cutting the deficit to one run. Shelby Miller emerged crucial in that inning, striking out Austin Riley and Ozuna to prevent further damage.

Verdugo notably stood out for Atlanta, recording four hits and two RBIs. Arizona’s Geraldo Perdomo contributed with a solo homer earlier in the game, while Corbin Carroll achieved his first career double-triple.

Eugenio Suarez, one day after an impressive four-homer game, added a single and a walk to the Diamondbacks’ offensive efforts. Pfaadt pitched six innings, yielding three runs, two of which were earned, while striking out six batters.

Braves starter Spencer Schwellenbach allowed four runs, three of them earned, also over six innings. Miller’s performance in the seventh was pivotal, as it stifled Atlanta’s momentum.

Carroll’s speed was remarkable. He clocked in at 10.87 and 11.02 seconds from home to third on his triples, marking the fastest times in Major League Baseball this season.

Looking ahead, the Braves’ RHP Bryce Elder will take the mound against Colorado on Monday, while the Diamondbacks’ LHP Eduardo Rodriguez is set to face the Mets in New York on Tuesday.

The city of Phoenix boasts a vibrant sports culture, hosting teams from four major professional leagues, including the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), and Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB). The Valley is also a hub for significant annual sporting events, such as the Fiesta Bowl, WM Phoenix Open, and Cactus League Spring Training.